Hire a boat with or without a skipper in Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos is a coastal town on the Greek island of Crete. With pretty beaches and crystal clear water, it makes for a perfect place to hire a boat. Some beaches, caves and hidden spots to explore on the island are only accessible by boat, so hiring a sailboat will be the most convenient option. 

Agios Nikolaos is a picturesque place with authentic bars, restaurants and local shops, the town also has great nightlife and attracts tourists of all ages. It hosts a stable resident population all year and even if it lives off of tourism quite a bit, it isn’t an overcrowded destination. 

When should you hire a boat in Agios Nikolaos?

The best conditions to hire a boat in Crete and go on a sailing adventure are during the high season which happens in summer in the months of July and August. This is when the weather is the best, with more sunshine and moderate winds, sailing conditions are the most optimal.

Another great time to hire a boat is a little bit before or after summer. In spring, in May and June or during the fall in September and October when there are fewer tourists.

Make sure you book in advance as the prices increase during the high season as the demand is much higher.

Pricing and information for a boat hire in Agios Nikolaos

The prices for yacht hire really depend on the type and size of the boat, it can also be more beneficial to hire for a longer period of time.

You can hire a sailboat for a starting price of 200€ per day in Agios Nikolaos. For a motorboat, the prices start at around 220€ per day. 

Don’t forget to book in advance as boat availability decreases in the high season, so make sure you complete a reservation to get the best prices.

Do you need a licence to hire a yacht in Agios Nikolaos?

You don’t need a licence to hire boats that go up to 30 HP in Greece. This includes most of the smaller boats. 

You will need a certificate if you want to hire a bigger motorboat with a more powerful engine. When hiring a big sailboat, the authorities might ask for a boating licence, so make sure you bring your nautical CV with you.

If you don’t have any skills or a boating certificate, you can still hire a boat with a skipper. A skipper will be your captain and guide you to the best spots around Agios Nikolaos.

What to do in Agios Nikolaos

Hire a boat in Crete and sail around the beautiful island of Crete. This place is full of wonderful caves and pretty hidden beaches. Make sure to pack your snorkelling equipment to explore the incredible ocean life along the coastline, and have a relaxing afternoon out in the sun.

At the end of the day, anchor near a sandy beach and have a glass of wine in front of the sun setting on the horizon.